Detection of Trace Elements in High-Purity Sulfuric Acid Using Ultrasonic Nebulization with ICP-AES Detection - Application Note

Water quality is a critical issue in boiler water reactor (BWR) nuclear power plants. Plant water for steam generation is analyzed after passage through sampling filters to check for indications of corrosion. Corrosion particulate matter can cause numerous problems, including reduced water flow rates, increased pump head pressures, and loss of heat exchange efficiency due to solids buildup on metal surfaces. These problems can all lead to expensive component repairs and/or replacements. The filters in the water filter packs are periodically removed and digested in a sulfuric acid solution to check for indications of corrosion. This application note will examine the use of an efficient ultrasonic nebulizer (USN) with ICP-AES to improve trace element detection in a 7.5% high-purity sulfuric acid matrix. Elements of interest include Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Ti, W, Zn, and Zr. A particular goal is to lower instrument detection limits (IDLs) below 0.1 μg/L for K and Na in the sulfuric acid matrix. Figures of merit using the USN for introduction of diluted sulfuric acid include instrument detection limits (IDLs), calibration, and analyte recoveries